Do you believe the federal government has struck the proper balance between protecting civil liberties and providing physical security?

For a better guarantee of public safety, the post 9-11 world is one of constrained personal liberties. To determine whether a proper balance has been struck we would need to believe that the system is static. It is not. It is ever changing and requires constant vigilance and attention. There is an inherent tension between individual liberty and keeping our citizens safe. Further, in an increasingly electronic and cyber-connected world, civil liberties are also increasingly threatened. Cybersecurity will likely be the next area where civil liberties are threatened and where balance will need to be achieved.

Do you support a cap-and-trade system of greenhouse-gas limitation?

Yes. The private sector can be an engine of innovation and find efficient solutions to pressing problems. The cap and trade program for SO2 is an example of industry providing critically needed solutions.

Do you believe the federal government should do more to help students afford college?

Yes. Education, whether at a college or trade school, is one of the keys to prosperity and a higher quality of life. Federal government support for education access is an investment in the future of the country. A trained, employed work force supports economic growth. Further, support for students who want to start a business should be a priority area for a variety of entrepreneurship programs. For the first time in history, college graduates, a segment of our population that should be driving our economic recovery, is so burdened with student debt that they may not be able to start innovative businesses, or buy their first homes. This will present a very serious challenge to our economic future.

Do you believe health-insurance plans should cover contraception without co-pays?

Health insurance plans should cover contraception the same way that they cover other medications, procedures, or devices.

Will you vote to end the Bush-era tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans?

The tax structure must be reformed to close loopholes and ensure that everyone is paying their fair share – this includes the wealthiest Americans. However, the economic recovery is so fragile that it would be dangerous to end these tax cuts at the current time.

Walking on broken glass There must be some kind of law that kicks in whenever a prominent politician leaves office, requiring every columnist and pundit to blather on at length about the triumphs and tragedies of that esteemed figure's checkered career.

Walking on broken glass There must be some kind of law that kicks in whenever a prominent politician leaves office, requiring every columnist and pundit to blather on at length about the triumphs and tragedies of that esteemed figure's checkered career.

Mitt & the GOP Boys’ Club Last week, Barack Obama's re-election campaign launched a Web slide show, "The Life of Julia," depicting a woman helped throughout her years by Obama policies, and warning that — if elected — Mitt Romney would undo all of them.

A defiant mayor in a defaulting city It's been a year since the state appointed a receiver to take control of a nearly insolvent Central Falls and Mayor Charles Moreau, reduced to a mere figurehead, rides shotgun in a blue Chevy Impala — surveying all that he's lost.

End of the innocence As the legislative session ends, the amount and nature of Governor Paul LePage's political influence has become clearer.

PORTLAND VS. HER PEOPLE | March 19, 2014 This city, which all agree is lucky to have so many options, has leaders who do not behave as if they have any choice at all. To the frustration of the citzenry, the City Council and the Planning Board often run off with the first partner who asks for a dance.

LEARNING FROM FAIRPOINT'S DISASTERS | March 06, 2014 Two bills before the Maine legislature seek to pry lessons from the hard time FairPoint has had taking over the former Verizon landline operations in Maine since 2009.